Israel TV channel evacuates studio amid broadcast as wildfires close in

Israel’s leading television station was forced to evacuate its studio mid-broadcast on Wednesday as wildfires raging near Jerusalem reached dangerously close to its Neve Ilan facility. The videos of the incident went viral on social media.

The unprecended moment unfolded live on air when veteran news anchor Danny Kushmaro interrupted the evening bulletin and announced that the Channel 12 station was evacuated under orders from Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services, sources reported.

Channel 12 later confirmed that all staff members had safely evacuated the premises and that emergency protocols were followed, the publication further stated.

Wildfires due to extreme heat and winds broke out near Jerusalem on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of communities and the closure of a main highway, as the country was observing Memorial Day and many Israelis visited gravesites.

"Based on assessments of the fire’s spread, the district commander has instructed teams to prepare for the potential evacuation of additional communities, including deploying buses in case they are needed," the police said in a statement.

The main Route 1 Jerusalem to Tel Aviv highway was closed near the fire site, and police said three communities had been evacuated.